Morning yard work turns into $5000 mower fire

IT was an expensive morning for the owner mowing a property in Walligan after a ride on caught on fire.

A ride on mower and nearby scrub was well alight when a fire crew from Torquay reached the property on Torbanlea Pialba Rd, Walligan.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Torquay Fire Station Officer John Pappas said the fire was deemed not suspicious with a build-up of grass and material under the engine cowling heating up and igniting.

When firies arrived there was an area of scrub well alight as well as the commercial lawn mower, which is believed to be valued around $5000.

Officer Pappas said they quickly put out the blaze with help from the property owner.

"This incident highlights the importance of keeping ride on mower cutting decks clear and the importance of maintaining cleanliness with mowing and cutting equipment," Station Officer Pappas said.